The Envelope on the Table (878 words)

 

Raghav was rummaging through an old box in his home in San Diego. He was to leave for India in a week for his wedding to Anupama. Among the papers and keepsakes, he found the small book of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam that Raju mama (Uncle) had given him when he was twelve years old. He had always preserved it as a priceless possession.

His mind drifted back to those days in Chennai. The book had been a simple, pocket-sized notebook, costing less than a rupee back then. Raju mama had distributed it freely to all the children in the colony who attended his classes. Every evening at 6 p.m. sharp, they would assemble in mama’s house to recite the slokas. Before long, none of them needed the book anymore, as they had committed the verses to memory.

A strict disciplinarian, mama would get upset if anyone came late, yet every session ended with candies, raisins, or small plantains for the children. Beneath his stern exterior lay a soft heart. He quietly helped many poor children with tuition fees and books, though he never spoke of it. Only his wife would occasionally confide these things to Raghav’s mother. Even though he had a son in a high position up North, he never left Chennai or his simple routines. He was well-versed. in Valmiki’s Ramayanam and could quote profusely and aptly from it. He never talked about himself or his generous acts.

Raghav decided that once he reached Chennai, he would personally invite Raju mama. He had lost touch even when he was in school, after his father was transferred from the city. Life had taken him to Delhi, then IIT, and finally to the US for his MS and doctorate.

 Only a fortnight earlier, he had unexpectedly obtained Raju mama’s email ID from a childhood friend from their Sahasranama group. Unsure if he would be remembered, he had written immediately, narrating one vivid incident, how, on a day of torrential rain, no one had turned up for the recitation except himself, soaked from head to foot. He still remembered mama scolding him for coming in the storm, then fetching a towel to dry gently his hair. The next day, mama had praised his devotion in front of the group.

To his delight, Uncle wrote back saying he remembered both the incident and Raghav’s face. They exchanged a couple of warm emails, and Raghav shared the news of his upcoming wedding. Mama blessed him and said he looked forward to meeting him and receiving the invitation.

Raghav landed in Chennai that morning. His parents had already arrived from Delhi, and many relatives were gathered at home. He wanted to meet Raju mama that very evening, but his parents insisted he accompany them for some shopping.

The next morning, he took the wedding invitation, the gifts he had brought for Uncle, and some sweets, and drove to the old colony he had lived in more than fifteen years earlier. The houses looked almost the same, with only a few additions in front. As the car stopped outside his old block and he stepped out with the packets in hand, he noticed a small crowd gathered near the entrance. Something about the scene felt ominous.

He approached an elderly gentleman and asked, though he already knew, which flat belonged to Raju mama. Noticing the invitation and sweets, the man hesitated, then said gently,

“Don’t you know? Raju passed away last night. It was a massive attack, and he passed away even before any medical aid. May I know who you are?”

Raghav, stunned, replied that he was an old student and resident of the colony. He asked if mami was home.

“Yes, she is inside,” the man said. “Poor mami… she is devastated.”

Raghav returned to the car, left the gifts behind, and went upstairs. Mami was seated near mama’s head. Mama looked much older, but the sharp features he remembered were still there. Raghav went to her, tears streaming down his face.

“Mami, I’m Raghav. Do you remember me? I had told Uncle I would meet him… I should have come yesterday. It’s my misfortune that I missed seeing him.”

She nodded, wiping her eyes.

“Even last evening he was talking about you,” she said. “He wrote something on a piece of paper and left a sealed envelope for you on the table. When I asked what it was, he brushed aside my question and only said I should give it to you. When I told him he could hand it over himself, he didn’t answer. It feels as though he had a premonition.”

Mami wept again as Raghav tried to console her. After a while, she walked to the table and handed him the envelope. He slipped it silently into his pocket.

It was only the next day that he opened it. Inside was a small note and a five-hundred-rupee note.

“Dear Raghav,

My blessings to you. I am afraid I may not be able to attend your wedding. Please accept my best wishes and this small token of my affection. I still remember your young face that evening in the rain. You made me very happy that day….”

Raju mama